FMT Success - digestive issues question

[jlr627]

Hi everyone,

I am 3 weeks post FMT that was done via colonoscopy and I am happy to say that I just tested negative for C Diff. I have not had any of the usual C Diff symptoms since the procedure however I have developed a very "colicky" digestive as a result of everything. I digest food VERY differently now and find that I have intolerances to fat, certain spices and my dairy issue is now even more extreme than it already was. Unless I eat chicken, rice and other bland food (as I did during the first week after my FMT), my BM's are generally mushy and somewhat unformed. I still average 2 bowel movements a day but they aren't great quality.

I am wondering if anyone has had this happen to them and if it has resolved over time. My doc just told me to try Lipase enzymes which I am going to start tomorrow.

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Jen

[beth22]

I got a lot of food intolerances and digestive issues post c diff. I still have many. I don't know if it was from FMT or just the damage that c diff and the meds used to treat it cause. A SIBO specialist that I saw told me that c diff can damage the nerve endings in the intestines. People who have not had FMT have some of these same issues. Both my regular GI and the one who did my FMT told me that it takes at least 6 months for your system to heal and probably more like a year. You have to be patient. It is hard. Introduce new foods slowly and a little bit at a time. For example, I do not tolerate fruit well, so I started with just a spoon or two of applesauce. Whatever the food is that doesn't agree, have just a bite of it and see what happens. Then next time try two bites, etc.

If you find that you are not improving, then maybe your GI wants to test you for SIBO or not digesting fat. I was recommended to take pancreatic enzymes as well, but they upset my stomach (upper) so I stopped. They do help a lot of people and hopefully they will help you.

[jlr627]

Hi Beth,

Thank you so much for your post. I also want to acknowledge that I love how much you post in general and how fastidious your responses are :) It means a lot to have such support. I hope you continue to heal as well.

Jen

[Bobbie]

Jen,
I've had problems after every C. diff. treatment but they usually subside with time. Take Beth's advice and introduce foods slowly but do introduce them. Some people are automatically OK after a FMT; some are not.

Many docs. who do FMT's want you on a high fiber diet because fiber causes the new bacteria to grow and multiply. Check with the doc. who did your FMT to see if she/he feels this way. One of the leading FMT experts feels fiber is essential so I eat beans, beans, beans, and more beans plus fresh veggies, etc. I've also found benefiber is helpful.

Everyone is different, however, so do check with your doctor and "follow your gut" feelings.

[jlr627]

Hi Bobbie,

Yes - my doc just told me to eat more salads as of this week which I am just starting to do. Too much fiber though gives me some D and a lot of gas so it's a careful balance, right?

Thanks so much,
Jen

[getwellsoon]

I am one who didn't have the FT and have IBS, Colitis and many digestive issues which I didn't have pre CDiff. I think the disease and also the meds cause this damage and it takes a lot of time to recover. After over 19 months I'm just starting to have more normal BM and feel some better, although not well. Hang in there because it takes a lot of time for the gut to heal. You will feel better some day, we all do. Carol

[Hopefulness]

Just over 10 weeks post fmt via colonoscopy (3 cdiff attacks following diverticulitis episode). Some days I have extreme gassiness others not quite so much. Gas x and beano seem to help. Is this gassiness and occasional loose movements a "normal" consequence of the process.

[seekingcure]

Hi Hopefulness,
I don't believe you've received our standard welcome so here it is:

STANDARD INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to the site. Read the first forum “All Users Read This First” and subtopics “Site History” and “Information and Guidelines for Posting to our Discussion Boards.” (Note limits on posting.) This will guide you in using the site and answer some of your questions. Read Dr. Borody's articles. Also see the topics under “CDI” – particularly Recent CDC Report, The C. diff. Bible, Tests, Antibiotics, Hygiene, and Nutrition.

“Doctors” lists physicians our posters recommended and also a list of C. diff. specialists throughout the world with contact information. (Many perform FMT's.) See the new forum “FMT’s and FE’s” or “Media Reports” for new information on C. diff.

The majority of patients (about 80%) recover with one to two rounds of Flagyl or Vancocin. An unfortunate small percentage doesn’t and can suffer for months. Most recover unless there are factors such as advanced age or other severe health problems. New treatments include FMT's, which have a high cure rate, and Dificid. Other drugs and treatments are in the pipeline, and there is increased recognition of C. diff. You can help by educating your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Help us make others aware of C. difficle – which will lead to further advances in treating and/or preventing the infection. If antibiotics contributed to your C. diff, be careful about taking them again. Some people tolerate them; some develop C. diff again. Don’t take medications for C. diff. unless you are tested.

If a medication contributed to your case, please fill out an Adverse Event Report online at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm. Under "Resources for You," in left-hand column, click on "Report a Serious Medical Product Problem Online." (Allison provided this information.)

The best protection for you and others is thorough hand washing and good hygiene. (See Dr. Borody’s articles and “CDI.”) For more information, see other support groups on Facebook, including http://www.peggyfoundation.org, the Mayo Clinic and Web MD web sites, and “The FMT Foundation” under “Links” on the homepage.

This is a support site not a medical site. We can’t give you medical advice but can tell you what worked for us and offer support. No one will understand what you are going through except someone who has/had this unpredictable disease. All of our moderators and frequent posters had/have C. diff. (or a loved one with it) and know how physically, emotionally, and financially disabling it can be.
Again, welcome. Remember, the odds are in your favor. (End of letter.)


Glad to hear that you are c-diff free after your FMT. Yes, it is quite common to have some digestive upsets after c-diff. You have had a major infection and it just takes time for your gut to heal. "Bumps" in the road are to be expected. Many of us, myself included, have had numerous scares after c-diff, where we were sure it was back, but tested negative. Try leaving off dairy for a few days to see if your gassiness improves. Many people develop some degree of lactose intolerance during or after c-diff. Diigestive enzymes prior to meals have been extremely helpful for me with the gassiness as well as heartburn and I rely on Gas-X when I do have issues with excess gas. Try to get a little exercise daily. Even just a fifteen minute walk a day will go a long way in helping you get your energy back. Hope you are back to normal soon. When you are ready, please post your story in success stories under your own topic. These successes give others currently dealing with c-diff hope. Bea